First Germany, now Brazil... Southgate’s kids keep the world’s best at bay
GARETH SOUTHGATE’S superkids kept Brazil at bay on another night of optimism for the Three Lions.
Eric Dier captained England’s rookies while Southgate (right) made five changes to Friday’s team that held world champions Germany to a 0-0 draw.
Brazil’s best chance came in the 76th minute when Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho hit the post from distance. England’s
defence – marshalled by City’s maturing John Stones – was organised and resolute throughout.
Ashley Young pulled off an outstanding last-ditch block on Willian seconds after coming on as an 80th-minute substitute.
Joe Hart also saved well from former Tottenham midfielder Paulinho with five minutes left.
Neymar, Gabriel Jesus (above) and Coutinho all started in a full-strength line-up for the five-time world champions. But City striker Jesus, feted as ‘the new Ronaldo’ by Brazil captain Daniel Alves earlier this week, struggled to continue his impressive scoring run and was taken off in the second half.
Alves could count himself fortunate not to be shown a straight red card for kicking out at Jake Livermore in the 48th minute.
England’s next fixtures are two friendlies against Holland and Italy in March 2018 as part of their World Cup preparations.
Southgate’s men face the Dutch in Amsterdam on March 23 and Italy at Wembley four days later.